Do you need a plumbing certification?

Plumber Salary Guide for 2015

Looking for a Plumbing School?

Welcome to PlumbingSchool.Training – your resource for reliable information on launching a professional career in plumbing! Whether your goal is to find listings for accredited plumber training courses near you, read tips on finding apprenticeships, or learn about certification requirements for plumbers in your state, you’ll find it here. We’ve also included a guide to plumber salary to help you find out how much professionals earn in your area.

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Plumbing as a Career

Plumbers are vital professionals in any construction-related trade, as well as in the maintenance industry where their skills are in constant demand. According to the latest data from the Bureau of labor Statistics, job growth for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters should considerably outpace the national average for all positions, increasing by 21% through 2022.

Below is a quick overview of the plumbing career in the U.S. according to official government statistics.

While there is no standard certification requirement for plumbers, you will find that most employers require their staff to have completed some type of professional training program. For this reason, it is strongly suggested that you enroll in an accredited plumbing school in order to receive the most widely-recognized training possible.

FAQs About Plumbing Schools

The following are the most-frequently-asked questions that new students have about plumbing schools. If you have a question that is not addressed here, we invite you to contact the webmaster directly at staff@plumbingschool.training.

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What is plumber training?What are the prerequisites to become a plumber?How long is plumbing school?

What is plumber training?

Plumbing training helps students develop the necessary skills to repair and install fixtures and appliances, and to service clogged piping systems and septic tanks. In order to become licensed in most states, you must complete an apprenticeship, but many students opt to first complete a vocational training program as well.

Here’s a quick look at both approaches.

Plumbing Trade Schools

Vocational schools are a popular way to start the training you need to become a professional plumber. On average, courses last between several months and a year, and feature a curriculum that prepares the student for a successful apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Becoming a licensed plumber in most states requires you to first complete a formal apprenticeship program. Programs are offered by trade unions and their affiliates, and many independent contractors.

Apprenticeships usually last between four and five years, and provide paid, on-the-job training under the supervision of a master plumber. The requirements for completing an apprenticeship vary from state-to-state, but typically include:

At least 9,000 hours of supervised training

Attending approximately 1,000 hours of related classes (this requirement may be waived if the apprentice has previously attended a trade school)

Finish High School or the GED

To get accepted into a plumbing trade school or apprenticeship program, you’ll first need to have either a high school diploma or a GED. This prerequisite exists in order to guarantee that the apprentice has the basic math, English and science skills required to understand plumbing technology.

Complete an Apprenticeship Program

Becoming eligible to take the licensing exam in most states requires you to first have completed an apprenticeship program. As mentioned above, programs are offered by a wide range of organizations including:

Plumbers labor unions

Independent, non-union licensed plumbers

Trade organizations

How long is plumbing school?

Plumbing classes offered through trade schools and community colleges may last anywhere from three months to a year. Keep in mind that this study time is in addition to the time you’ll need to commit to your apprenticeship.

The Importance of Being Licensed

Back in 2008, “Joe the Plumber” jumped into the national spotlight and became the center of a debate over (among other things) whether or not plumbers and other professionals should hold occupational licenses.

Regardless of which side of this debate you were on, the fact remains that most states still require their plumbers to be licensed.

What is Required to Become Licensed?

Eligibility requirements to take the plumbing license exam vary by state, but all require the candidate to have completed a formal apprenticeship program and a specified number of study hours.

Maintaining your license will additionally require you to stay current with changing regulations and laws that affect the plumbing industry, and to apply for annual license renewals.